NAS Jax Sailors enjoy a day at the races

Excitement filled the air as the group left the base aboard a bus and headed south to the Daytona International Speedway for a day of action-packed NASCAR racing. The trip included a VFW private front stretch chalet, huge buffet, pit tours, grandstand seating and a gift bag with VFW racing items and transportation.

From left, AEAA Eric Nazar of VP-30, ATAN Jennifer Shafer and ATAN Nicholas Warren, both of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jax, visit the garage to get an inside look at where the cars are maintained.

Michael Penney, director, National Military Services explained why the VFW offers such a wonderful opportunity for our Sailors. "The biggest percentage of VFW members are Vietnam veterans who were treated with disrespect when they came back from war so many of the veterans promised to never mistreat Sailors coming back from war again, he stated. "The VFW honors that promise by ensuring service men and women today are provided the benefits they have earned by serving this great country. We want people to be aware of our organization and what we are doing. What better way to enhance awareness by offering a day of fun at the races for individuals serving this country."

"The VFW NASCAR No. 33 is driven by Kevin Harvick. Kevin Harvick Inc. and the VFW have a great partnership. Kevin, his wife, DeLana and Ron Hornaday went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center with the commander-in-chief of the VFW in May and met some wounded warriors. They sense the need of our service men and women. Their patriotism makes this a great partnership," continued Penney.

A VFW respresentative guides a group of NAS Jax Sailors and family members through the pits during the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR trip.

During pre-race activities in the VFW chalet, YNC Denise Houltzhower of the Navy Operational Support Center, happily won a pass to the Richard Petty Driving Experience. "This has been awesome! My brother has been visiting from Ohio, and how great to share this experience with him and my husband," remarked Houltzhower. "I grew up around the VFW and this is such a wonderful event sponsored by the VFW and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department. This is great for the Sailors and great for morale."

The race proved to be just as exciting as the pit tours and the chalet. "This is my first race and wow! What an awesome experience! I had no idea how exciting and exhilarating this would be! The roar of the engines just gets you hooked and the wrecks were thrilling," said AT1 Joel Brown of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jax.

As the race ended, the weary group boarded the bus and headed back to the base arriving late that evening, a bit tired but still enthused about the day's events.

The Navy nor any other part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor, or their products or services.

Special guest Billy O'dea (in yellow) and Jason Meeks both of Kevin Hendrick's crew, sign autographs at the VFW-sponsored chalet.